Mapping IB grades onto the UCAS tariff
UK university offers are often quoted in UCAS tariff points, a common currency that lets admissions teams compare A-Levels, BTECs, the IB and many other qualifications. This converter translates your IB results into that currency, either from your full diploma total or from your individual Higher and Standard Level grades.
How it works
UCAS publishes two relevant tables. The first tariffs the complete IB Diploma by total points: 24 points scores 260, each additional point adds roughly 22, and a perfect 45 scores 720. The second tariffs individual subject grades so partial and Certificate candidates still receive credit. Each Higher Level grade is worth more than the matching Standard Level grade — a Higher Level 7 is 56 points against 28 for a Standard Level 7 — with lower grades scaled proportionally down to zero. The diploma method here looks your total up directly; the subjects method adds up the per-grade values you select.
Example and notes
A student with a 38-point diploma scores 567 tariff points on the official table. The same student counting only three Higher Level grades of 6, 6, 5 and three Standard Level grades of 6, 5, 5 would total fewer points, because the subjects method excludes the core. Remember that many universities express IB offers as a points total with named HL requirements rather than as a tariff, so always read the specific entry requirements for your course as well.